PRESENTATION OF THE VICTORIA CROSS TO SERGT. MURRAY, 68TH REGT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume III, Issue 649, 11 December 1865, Page 5

PRESENTATION OF THE VICTORIA CROSS TO SERGT. MURRAY, 68TH REGT.

Wk take the following from tho Wanganui of tho 6th inst.: — A military epectaolo of more than orlinary intorcst was enacted here yostoiday. According to girri-nn orders of Monday, the troops in Wanganui were paradod in tho MaVkct-placo to witness the presentation of tho Victoria Criss to Sergeant John Murray, of tho 08th Regiment, for gallant daring at Tauranga on the 2Ut June, 1864. Ate'.oven o'clock, Brigadi*rGeneral WadiU', accompanied by a numb r of officers, CTne upon the ground, and alter various evolutions, the various regiments were fotmol i" npnu square, and Sergeant Murray having been called out. from the ranks, Oapt. Leech road tho order from the Wu.Olfieo, enclosing tho Cross. General Waddy then dismounted from his horse and said, Colonel Morant, Officers, and Men of the 6Sth Light Infantry—lt is with the greatest pleasure I come hero to-day to be the medium of deconiting with tho much-prized Order of the Victori> (,'rosi n .. ost gallant and distinguished soldier of one of tho most distinguished regiments inhor Majesty's army : tho good and g 'llant conduct of the GStli h <a been so often noticed by officers of tho highest rank in hor Majesty's servico, th\fcl feel id nnnooesJary to sp«;ai 61 it Hdtf; But I teg to *><»drti rdy WWutdriy to tHe

general soldii-r li«o cottdm-t and discipline ufthedi;'auhmsut under tho command of Lioutinant-Colonel Morant during the tiino it has served in thia di-i----triet j and I regret much I- shall soon have to part with you, becauao I feel coitnin that 1 Could always depend upon my orders being carried out by tho Durham Light Infantry. I wish you all success in your futuro onmer, And I feel satisfied there are many men now in your ranks whj will (if an opportunity bo offered them) show they havo stout hearts, strong arms, and the true pluck of 'ho British soldier, and who will win the S'imo honourable and distinguished murk of their Sovereign's approi-iatiun of their Valour that has been conferred upon Murray. At the conclusion of his address, tho General stepped up to dergcant Murraj and pinned the cross up >n his breast, saying, ;»s he did so, " I now place this Victoria Cross upon your brea:t, and I hopa yeu may livo long to wear it, and to act worthy of the adornment." 'J'ho Sergeant tlion retired, and the proceedings closed. We congratulate Sorgeant Murray upon this distinguished recognition of his bravery, and heartily echo tho sentiment of tho B igadier-General, that he may lire long to enjoy hia well-won laurels.